The Prince William Chamber of Commerce held “Powerful Partnerships” – a seminar for businesses and non-profits to connect, at the Manassas Park Community Center.
There were sessions where the external and internal benefits of these business and non-profit partnerships were discussed, and round tables where members of the community spoke about what they were looking for in partnerships, and what their respective organizations need.
Keynote speaker Janel Donohue from the Rappahannock United Way spoke with the group about the structure of relationships between businesses and non-profits.
“Non-profits, you also have to understand that successful partnerships are first and foremost business relationships. That’s how we have to go after these partnerships and relationships. Even if we’re asking for money, we have to think about it as a business relationship,” said Donohue.
Donohue also outlined the top benefits of partnerships, from the perspective of businesses and non-profits.
For businesses the top benefits are increased sales, increased employee engagement, boosted customer and brand loyalty, earned media coverage, creating a motivating purpose for the company, increasing shareholder return, increasing employee skill development, attract further business partnerships, generating recognition for the good the company creates in society, and a tax deduction, according to Donohue.
For non-profits the top benefits are an increase in the organization’s funding, the chance to expand their donor base, connecting with new business partners, attracting in-kind donations, providing professional development for employees, attracting new volunteers and board members, increasing brand recognition, increasing media coverage, connecting business leaders with community leaders, and developing further income opportunities, said Donohue.
A presentation from President of APT Impact Inc. Jim DiModica can be watched here:
